DIYers Demonstrate Creativity and Win Big With 2013 FrogTape(R) Earn Your Stripes(R) Room Makeover Contest

AVON, OH--(Marketwired - Jul 11, 2013) - Homeowners were feeling inspired to paint this spring -- and hoping the hard work would pay off, winning them $5,000 as part of the third-annual FrogTape^® brand painter's tape Earn Your Stripes^® room makeover contest. From the nearly 200 contestants who showcased their creativity through DIY painting projects, a panel of judges selected three outstanding designs based on criteria of workmanship, originality and accessories. This year's Grand Prize Winner is Penny Miller from LaRue, Ohio. In second place, taking home $2,500, is Katja Kromann from Trabuco Canyon, Calif.; and in third place is Lisa Janvrin from Elkorn, Neb., who received $1,000 for her transformation.

Miller's winning makeover, "Eclectic Blue," completely transformed her living room. She used FrogTape Delicate Surface and Multi-Surface tape to breathe new life into a number of items, including a trunk, mirror, light fixtures and even dated furniture she purchased from thrift shops. The focal point of her space was a custom herringbone accent wall in various shades of blue, with neutral accents.

"Paint and painting tape are some of the easiest and most affordable tools for homeowners to use to transform a space," said Kristin Osinski, senior media manager, ShurTech Brands, LLC. "That was evident in the submissions from the 2013 Earn Your Stripes contest; not only were the projects inspiring, but the level of craftsmanship in Penny's winning design was extraordinary. It truly demonstrates how you can achieve professional-looking results for your DIY painting project with FrogTape."

Second place winner Kromann updated her stark, white entry hall with bright colors and cheerful patterns. She used FrogTape Multi-Surface to add arrows on the new turquoise walls, create stripes on baskets and a honeycomb pattern to a plain, beige rug. 

"Nursery Dreamscape" -- this year's third place submission -- included a custom-designed, hand-painted cityscape mural, completed with FrogTape Multi-Surface. Janvrin transformed a dark, dated and cramped space into a bright, modern shared space.

"Since FrogTape is the only painter's tape treated with PaintBlock^® Technology, homeowners were able to tackle challenging designs, without having to worry about hours of touch ups," Osinski added. "PaintBlock is a super absorbent polymer that reacts with the water in latex paint and instantly gels to create a micro-barrier that prevents paint bleed. FrogTape helped deliver crisp lines and amazing results for all of the Earn Your Stripes entrants."

In addition to the grand prizes, one additional "Best in Show" standout submission from each of the six categories received a $100 cash prize. The winners are:

• Kids Rooms & Nurseries: Amy Girouard, Rouch Rock, Texas
• Kitchens & Bathrooms: Charlotte Brewer, Omaha, Neb.
• Man Caves & Basements: Amie Daye, Oakville, Ontario
• Bedrooms: Lia Voronkovich, Auburn, Wash.
• Living & Dining Rooms: Kurt Lursen, Rolling Meadows, Ill.
• Other: Lane Carver, Franklin, Tenn.

"Each year, homeowners impress us with the ambitious projects they submit to the Earn Your Stripes contest," added Osinski. "We're thrilled to recognize their outstanding work and share in their excitement as they continue to tackle DIY projects throughout their homes."

To see all of this year's entries and gather inspiration for your next painting project, visit www.frogtape.com/earnyourstripes.

FrogTape brand painter's tape is available in two different adhesive grades which allows flexibility for homeowners to paint on different surfaces throughout their homes. FrogTape Multi-Surface has a medium adhesion and can be used on cured painted walls, wood trim, glass and metal. FrogTape Delicate Surface has a lower adhesion to prevent damage on surfaces such as fresh paint (24 hours old), wallpaper and faux finishes. FrogTape Multi-Surface and Delicate Surface are available in a variety of widths to accommodate a multitude of patterns, designs and paint projects. The versatile painting tapes can be purchased at The Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe's, Sherwin-Williams and other fine paint and hardware retailers across the United States and Canada with a suggested retail price of $6 to $12 in the US and $8 to $12 in Canada, depending on the size of the tape.

For additional information about any FrogTape products, visit frogtape.com.

FROGTAPE^® BRAND PRODUCTS
The FrogTape^® brand, marketed by ShurTech Brands, LLC, offers premium-quality, innovative painting tapes that feature PaintBlock^® Technology, a super-absorbent polymer that seals the edges of the tape to keep paint out and lines sharp. For more information on FrogTape^®, visit frogtape.com; Like us on Facebook^® (facebook.com/frogtape); Follow us on Twitter^® (@frogtape); Follow our boards on Pinterest^® (pinterest.com/frogtape) or watch us on YouTube^® (youtube.com/frogtapetube).

SHURTECH BRANDS, LLC
ShurTech Brands, LLC, markets do-it-yourself tapes, office and housewares products under the Duck^®, FrogTape^®, Painter's Mate Green^®, Caremail^®, Easy Liner^® and Shurtape^®  brands. The company is a subsidiary of Shurtape Technologies, LLC, Hickory, N.C., an industry-leading producer of pressure sensitive masking, duct, packaging and specialty tape products, with facilities in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, Peru, United Arab Emirates and China. Shurtape services numerous markets, including industrial, packaging, HVAC, professional paint, auto, marine, aerospace, arts and entertainment, and retail. Shurtape also manufactures and markets the Shurtape^® and Kip^® brands. Visit ShurTech.com for more information.

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